We’ve been tailgating American rapper, singer and songwriter Wiley From Atlanta since he shared his impactful ‘Blood Orange’ earlier this year. Following on from this, a tale of romance, heartbreak and sense of identity began to unfold. We later picked up Wiley’s distinct sound in ‘Shells On The Rug’ and ‘Champion’, and now sees the release of his debut project titled Blue Don’t Make Me Cry. It’s a sprawling listen flavoured with Atlanta hip-hop and lo-fi jazz by the fistful. In step with the champion motif, Wiley’s lyrics also pack a mighty punch; he’s unflinchingly honest. However, of all the songs from this project, we’d like to direct your ear to the tender moment ‘Backseat’. It’s much more stripped back, fronted by a raw acoustic guitar, while a soulful electric guitar reverberates through the background. The lo-fi atmosphere is vulnerable, and so is Wiley. He’s dropped a little of that grit and growl in his voice, instead presenting a romantic almost-pop vocal that sings of star-crossed lovers and soul mates: “as long as your hand’s in mine, we can make the most of it.” ‘Backseat’ is but one example of the range that Wiley From Atlanta offers, but he always draws us back to soul signatures, hip-hop beats and direct words through Blue Don’t Make Me Cry. Here’s one underdog we’re backing. - Hannah Thacker